Merlin the duck steals Mexico's World Cup opener after going viral in national kit

A two-year-old duck named Merlin upstaged Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez on Mexico’s opening night at the 2026 World Cup, going viral after parading through Mexico City in a miniature national team jersey and socks as thousands of fans celebrated the host nation’s victory over South Africa.

Images of the sartorially splendid duck racked up millions of views across social media within hours. “We want to see Merlin in the stadium,” wrote one user. “This duck is already a national treasure,” said another. “The best thing about the World Cup so far,” declared a third.

For Mexico City residents, however, Merlin was already a familiar face. The duck regularly accompanies his owner, Carla Gómez, who sells water and soft drinks from a cart each weekend, drawing affectionate greetings and photo requests from passersby as they move through landmarks including Alameda Central, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Zócalo square.

“We don’t like to leave him alone at home; we like him to be with us. He’s our baby,” Gómez said. “He’s the baby, the sole heir to all my possessions and now an idol.”

Merlin was originally a gift for Gómez’s young son Cristian, with whom he shares what she describes as an inseparable bond. The duck’s World Cup fame, though, caught even his owner off guard.

“Merlin had already become famous for selling bottled water,” Gómez said. “He is always with us; we never imagined he’d become such a sensation. We weren’t expecting it.”

Mexico are co-hosting the 2026 tournament alongside Canada and the United States — the country’s third time staging the World Cup after 1970 and 1986. Gómez is hopeful her pet can keep the luck flowing for the host nation throughout the competition.

“Mexico, we are with you,” she said. “And Merlin is your No. 1 fan.”